Pomegranate needs no introduction. We all love the taste of this big, round, and juicy fruit with gorgeous red skin. In fact, the medicinal benefits of pomegranate are also quite well-known and it is important to keep it in our regular diet for the improvement of our overall health. But have you ever thought of including pomegranate in your skincare? This ‘fruit of heaven’ is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, which can give us flawless radiant skin naturally. So, next time while buying pomegranates, make sure that you keep a few of them aside. How to use them in your skincare? Well, we are giving you 10 simple homemade pomegranate face mask recipes to try. Also, know about the health benefits of the fruit and some other ways to use them for your skin.
A Few Words about Pomegranate
Pomegranate is an extremely healthy fruit obtained from the deciduous shrub Punica granatum in the family Lythraceae. Since ancient days, it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region and now it is cultivated all through the world. The beautiful fruit has fibrous layers inside in which shiny red ‘arils’ surround the white seeds in the middle. While many of us suck the sweet, juicy nectar of the fruit and discard the seeds, the fruit can actually be eaten whole along with the seeds and that fibrous middle in order to get the most out of its benefits. Pomegranate can also be used in cooking, baking, smoothies, juice blends, alcoholic beverages, and meal garnishes.
Pomegranate seeds are very high in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They also contain a significantly high number of antioxidants like flavonoids, anthocyanin, and tannins. But pomegranate is a low-calorie food and hence, its seeds are even lower in calories.
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Before indulging into how pomegranate can help our skin, let us take a look at its amazing health benefits:
- The wonderful red hue of pomegranate is contributed by certain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which are present in the fruit in very high levels. They protect our cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation to a great extent. In fact, the juice of pomegranate has three times more antioxidants than green tea and red wine (1).
- Fresh and pure pomegranate juice (with no added sugar) is a brilliant source of vitamins (C, E, B9, K, etc.) and potassium.
- The juice of one fresh pomegranate can provide us with more than 40% of our daily requirement of vitamin C.
- Being rich in flavonols, pomegranate has strong anti-inflammatory properties. These help in treating inflammation throughout the body, which leads to arthritis, joint pain, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), etc.
- Recent studies have found that pomegranate juice has the potential to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells (2).
- The fruit has been found to prevent memory loss and stop the progress of Alzheimer’s disease with its very high concentration of antioxidants.
- It may help in lowering the levels of sugar in your bloodstream by decreasing insulin resistance considerably.
- Pomegranate juice is known to be the best fruit juice for maintaining the health of the heart. It prevents heart damage by keeping the arteries free from plaque and cholesterol buildup while enhancing blood flow through it (3).
- Regular consumption of pomegranate is helpful in lowering systolic blood pressure (4).
- The fruit is considered as a potential aid for sexual performance and fertility. It can reduce oxidative stress, thereby treating issues like sperm dysfunction, low testosterone levels, etc.
- Pomegranate is highly beneficial in decreasing muscle soreness and improving strength recovery, which helps enhance sports performance.
Pomegranate may interact with certain medications like statins used for treating blood pressure and cholesterol. Always consult your doctor before incorporating pomegranate in your daily diet if you are taking any such medicines.
Why is Pomegranate Good for Skin?
Now, here is how the topical application of the fruit can improve the appearance of our skin:
1. Averts Premature Aging
Pomegranate comes packed with potent antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E), which help in decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, etc. While it cannot erase the signs of aging completely, it can offer excellent anti-aging benefits through increased cell regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. (5)
2. Reduces Inflammation
As pomegranate lowers the oxidative damage of skin cells caused by free radicals, the symptoms of certain inflammatory skin conditions (rosacea, acne, etc.) also subside gradually.
3. Fights Against Bacteria
The fruit contains natural antimicrobials, which help in keeping the skin infection-free by combating bacteria and fungus. It is especially helpful in treating acne-causing bacteria named P. acnes.
4. Exfoliates Thoroughly
Pomegranate can work as a natural exfoliant for our skin. Regular application of it can eliminate the dead cells from the surface layer of the skin gently, thus revealing the layer of fresh and healthy cells underneath.
5. Protects from Sun Damage
The antioxidant content of pomegranate is also believed to protect our skin naturally from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun (6). However, you must replace your daily sunscreen routine with the application of pomegranate as it will not be that effective.
10 Simple Pomegranate Face Mask Recipes to Try
Here are some simple and easy DIY pomegranate face mask recipes that can give your skin a natural makeover:
1. Pomegranate and Honey Face Mask
Take a handful of pomegranate beads and make a smooth paste by grinding them in a grinding machine or blender. Add about 1 tablespoon of pure raw organic honey to this paste and mix very well. The mixture should be uniform and of medium consistency with a little stickiness. Apply it all over your face and neck and wait for half an hour. Once it dries, rinse with cold water. Use this face mask 2-3 times every week to get soft, blemish-free, and glowing skin.
Also Read – Benefits Of ‘Magnetic Face Mask’ – The Latest Beauty Trend
2. Pomegranate and Yogurt Face Mask
A simple face mask made of pomegranate and yogurt can help you soften as well as brighten your skin to a great extent. Prepare a smooth paste out of a handful of pomegranate seeds. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt to it and blend very well. Spread the mask over your face and neck evenly. Allow it to dry for 20 to 25 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and old water respectively.
3. Pomegranate and Lemon Face Mask
Being rich in vitamin C, lemon can give the antioxidant qualities of pomegranate a vital boost, thereby making our look skin fresh, bright and tan-free. All you need to do is make a pomegranate paste by grinding a handful of seeds and squeezing 6-7 drops of juice of a fresh lemon into it. Mix both of the ingredients well and apply to your face and neck thoroughly. Wash off with cold water after 30 minutes or so.
4. Pomegranate and Green Tea Face Mask
The antioxidant properties of a pomegranate can be combined with those of green tea in a simple face mask, which can rejuvenate our skin in a natural way. Grind a handful of pomegranate beads in a blender. Take 1 tablespoon of freshly brewed green tea and add it to the pomegranate paste. Also, put plain yogurt and pure raw honey 1 tablespoon of each in the paste and combine everything well. Apply the mask all over your face and neck and wash off after half an hour with fresh cold water.
5. Pomegranate and Cocoa Powder Face Mask
Both pomegranate and cocoa powder are great for preventing symptoms of aging. So, you can blend these two into a face mask and get youthful skin easily. Prepare a smooth paste out of pomegranate seeds and mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with it. Apply the mask to your face and allow it to dry. After 20-25 minutes, wash off with cold water.
Read Also – 10 Reasons to Eat Pomegranates Daily
6. Pomegranate and Oatmeal Face Mask
When it comes to getting radiant skin by sloughing the dead cells off, this mask can be very much helpful. Turn a handful of pomegranate seeds into a smooth paste of medium consistency. Add 2 tablespoons of oatmeal powder to it. Also, put the buttermilk and pure raw honey 2 tablespoons each in the paste and combine all the ingredients properly. Apply overall your face and neck. Wash off with tepid water after 15 minutes.
7. Pomegranate, Rice Flour, and Almond Oil Face Mask
People with combination skin can swear by this highly effective pomegranate face mask. For this, you need to make a paste out of a handful of pomegranate seeds. Add 1 tablespoon of rice flour to it and pour a few drops of almond oil too. Combine everything together and apply carefully to your face and neck. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, rinse with tepid water.
8. Pomegranate Peel, Milk Cream, and Besan Face Mask
Not only the seeds, but the peel of pomegranate can also be used for making effective face masks. If you are suffering from excessive skin dryness, opt for this super moisturizing mask. You just need to dry up the pomegranate peel pieces completely and grate or grind them into a fine powder. Then, add 1 tablespoon of besan and 2 tablespoons of milk cream to it and combine everything to make a smooth paste of creamy consistency. Spread it over your facial skin and wash off after 15-20 minutes.
9. Pomegranate Peel, Lemon, and Rose Water Face Mask
Here is another pomegranate peel facial mask, which makes dull skin look bright and naturally healthy. Start with taking 3 tablespoons of pomegranate peel powder. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of rose water to it. Blend well to come up with a paste of medium consistency. Apply thoroughly and then, rinse with lukewarm water after 15-20 minutes.
10. Pomegranate Peel, Fuller’s Earth, and Rose Water Face Mask
Last but not the least; here is an awesome pomegranate face mask for normal skin that can beautify your face as a whole. Take pomegranate peel powder and fuller’s earth in equal quantities and pour enough rose water into it to form a uniform paste of medium consistency. Spread it over your face in a thick layer and let it dry for the next 20 minutes. Then, wash off with lukewarm water.
Also Read – 8 Quick and Effective Homemade Papaya Face Packs for Flawless, Glowing Skin
Other Ways to Use Pomegranate for Skin
Rather than including pomegranate in your regular facial masks, you can add it to your skincare routine in the following ways too:
- Raw Fruit Intake: Eating whole, raw pomegranate along with its seeds not only help our health but also our skin.
- Pomegranate Skin Oil: Just like serums, ready-to-use pomegranate skin oils can be used after cleansing and toning the skin. They should be massaged into the skin twice daily.
- Pomegranate Essential Oil: These strong essential oils are amazing for spot treatments. However, you must dilute them with carrier oils prior to use.
- Pomegranate Supplements: Pomegranate supplements are basically pomegranate extracts available in the forms of capsules and tablets. Talk to your doctor and start taking these orally as per his advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Pomegranates Should I Have Daily?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, an adult person should not have more than 2 cups of pomegranate per day.
Is Pomegranate Safe for Skin?
Pomegranate extract is possibly safe to apply to the skin. However, if you are allergic to it, you may develop allergic reactions like redness, itchiness, inflammation, hives, etc. Hence, it is always recommended that you do a patch test before applying.
Is Pomegranate Good for Skin Whitening?
The juice of the fruit is rich in antioxidant vitamins like A, C, and E, which help in exfoliating the skin, rejuvenating its cells, and lightening its tome. As a whole, the skin looks brighter and whiter naturally.
Also Read – Thermoherb Mask: How Does It Work, Benefits Offered, and DIY Recipe
References:
- “Pomegranate Juice: A Heart-Healthy Fruit Juice“, ResearchGate.net
- “What’s New in Prostate Cancer Research?“, Cancer.org
- “Pomegranate – At a Glance“, nccih.nih.gov
- “Effects of Pomegranate Juice on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials“, ScienceDirect.com
- “The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Activity in Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention“, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
